The festive period is a busy time in any city but especially in London. With thousands of visitors flooding into the capital for shopping, nights out and to visit tourist attractions, it’s little surprise there are many people on the streets at all times of day and night. As soon as Christmas Eve arrives, the streets empty and business owners lock up for holidays. With fewer people around, premises become more vulnerable to intruders and accidental damage. Should the worst happen and a window gets smashed, boarding up services London are quick and easy to arrange.
But we hope it doesn’t come to this, so here are some tips on how to keep your premises safe over the Christmas holidays.

Make Sure The Building Is Secure and Appears Occupied

It probably goes without saying, but double check the locks on all of your doors and gates. Make sure your alarms are set so in the unlikely event of a break in, you and the authorities will be alerted quickly. Hopefully the alarm will also be a deterrent, but if some damage does occur to your windows, you may need to call a London boarding-up service to secure the building.
It’s worth leaving some lights on so the building looks occupied, and there are fewer dark corners for criminals to hide in. You may want to use a timer to give the appearance of lights being turned on and off at random times, as if there is somebody present.

Speak to Your Neighbours about the Closure

If you know people living in residential property near your business, let them know you’ll be closed during Christmas. They may notice suspicious activity and can alert the authorities before it’s too late. They may even notice a broken window early on, so you can use a boarding-up service to secure it. Some areas in London will already have a neighbourhood watch scheme you can join, though this is less likely in commercial districts. With trustworthy neighbours keeping an eye out, you can rest more easily.

Check Your Insurance

It’s never easy to imagine the worst happening, but having the right insurance cover is vital in the event of damage or theft. At least if something goes wrong you can recover the costs. Most good policies will cover boarding-up services and replacing windows. To protect against burglary, you can insure the contents of the building. Make sure every eventuality is covered so you can relax over Christmas and the New Year.

With the building locked down, insured, your alarm set and your neighbours aware that you’re away, you’ve done all you can to prevent theft or damage. Even if you do have a break-in or your windows get damaged, London boasts many boarding-up services operating 24/7, even during the holidays, so you can secure the building fast.
For more information on boarding up services and glass repairs in London, contact Emergency Glaziers.

Giving your home a facelift can be easier than you might think. Glass is often something homeowners overlook, but clever use of this versatile material can change the look of your whole house. There’s no need to wait until a cracked or broken window needs an emergency glass repair. And if your window and door frames – whether uPVC, timber, or metal – are in good condition, glass replacement is a possibility too.

Isn’t All Glass the Same?

There are numerous different styles of glass available today; you’re sure to find something that suits your property – and your budget. What’s more, the use of decorative glass doesn’t need to be confined to windows and doors, although they’re obviously key areas. You can use glass throughout the home to add style – and you might add value too.

Glass for Windows and Doors

There are several important things to consider when choosing glass, either in a planned new installation, glass replacement or following a glass repair.

This includes:

 What’s the size of the glazed area?

 Do you need to allow light in, or block it out?

 What about noise?

 Is the glass in a hard-to-reach position?

 If choosing decorative glass replacement windows and panels, will the new design be appropriate to your property?

Popular Styles of Decorative Glass

You’ll find lots of styles to choose from and it might be helpful to get advice from glass repair and replacement experts.

 Patterned glass, often with coloured panes or leaded lights, is available in traditional or modern designs. A dull outlook can be brightened up by the addition of a patterned replacement glass panel.

 Frosted glass isn’t just for bathrooms; it can be used in many situations and often has a contemporary, textured look.

 If saving energy is important to you, then replacement glass with thermal-insulating properties is an excellent option.

Other Glass Products That Give Your Home a Style Update

Why not complement the look of your newly designed windows and doors with other, modern glass products?

If your staircase balustrade is old and tired, the addition of bespoke replacement panels made from toughened glass will transform the whole area.

Kitchens and bathrooms can benefit from durable glass splashbacks that give you functional, clean lines. Glass replacement tiles come in many colours and can look stunning in opaque or translucent varieties.

New or old, windows always look better clean. And yet cleaning windows may not be your idea of fun. Perhaps you think it’s too much hard work or dread the thought of all those smudges and smears. Fear not. Armed with the right tips and techniques, you too can make the best of your windows. So whether you’ve had a recent glass replacement job or are thinking about investing in some much-needed glass repair work, learn how to get your windows sparking like a pro.

The Right Tools

The key to easier and more enjoyable window cleaning is having the right tools. Invest in a good quality squeegee and a T-bar style window scrubber. Make sure you have a good-sized bucket –this needs to be big enough for both your squeegee and your scrubber. And don’t forget some good quality lint-free or microfiber cloths, some sponges and your choice of window cleaning detergent.

It’s All About Technique

First, a few tips on technique. Start by washing your inside windows before moving to the outside, which will always be dirtier. Wash your windows from the top down as this prevents messy drips and smudge marks Finally, use horizontal strokes on one side of the glass and then use vertical strokes on the other – this will help you see which side of the window (if any) has those annoying streak marks.

Now to the Cleaning

Half fill your bucket with warm water and add either dishwashing liquid or two tablespoons of vinegar – whichever you prefer. Bear in mind, if you’re going to use soap be conservative – the fewer suds, the better. Next, grab your squeegee and start at the upper corner of each window.

Pull it evenly across the glass and, after each stroke, wipe the blade with a clean rag. Look out for any glass panes in need of repair or replacement. Remove any excess water with a clean squeegee. Now buff the glass to a sparkle, using crumbled newspaper or a cotton cloth. Finally, using a damp cloth wipe away any water that may have spilled on to the frames.

When and How

Always wash your windows on a cloudy day. Whilst you may see more dirt when the sun is shining, the sunlight will dry your windows too quickly leaving you with streaks on your freshly cleaned glass. Also, keep your windows sparkling by washing them at least twice a year. Not only will this help keep them clean but it will also allow you to check for any window cracks or problems before the cold weather sets in. Nobody wants to have to organise an emergency glass repair or glass replacement service in the midst of arctic temperatures!

If you’re in need of any glass repair or glass replacement work, call us at Emergency Glazier and find out how we can help you.

While glass replacement after a break-in is usually an immediate task, glass repair following an accident is something that often gets pushed down your to-do list, especially if it doesn’t appear to be too bad. However with winter approaching, this is the best time of year to check your windows for damage, and arrange to have your glass repaired or replaced as necessary.

Before the weather steps in to make things worse…

The Effects of Winter Weather on Glass

Glass panes are always more at risk of damage over the winter months between October and February, when the weather’s at its coldest. If your glass is old, the combined pressure of freezing temperatures and strong winds can take their toll leading to hairline cracks or worse, and the need for repair or replacement.

The windows most at risk are the biggest ones. Windows that are wider than they are high experience the greatest pressure when the wind blows, and are most likely to have received invisible damage from bumps and bangs during the summer months.

Double-glazing units can become damaged and ineffective with age, and when a unit becomes misted or foggy it’s almost certainly due to cracks or damaged seals, making glass replacement inevitable. Misting shows that the hermetic seal has failed and you will experience an increase in energy bills due to heat loss, as moisture seeps into the unit and then condenses.

Imploding Windows

A more spectacular threat from the extreme temperature variations experienced during harsh winters is imploding glass on double-glazing units.

As the weather changes and becomes colder, the inner pane can shatter when you turn up the heating, making the inside temperature very high as the outside temperature plunges. The risk is increased if the glass is scratched or damaged in any way.

Glass replacement may also be needed if, after a long period of cold weather, the window is suddenly subjected to powerful sunshine, putting the outer pane at risk of longitudinal cracking.

Fix Your Windows While the Sun Is Shining

If you know your glazing units are old and you have condensation between the panes, it’s best to organise glass repair or glass replacement before the winter weather sets in. It may seem expensive, but you will save yourself money in heating bills and possibly a lot of extra stress and expense if the unexpected occurs and your windows crack or implode when the weather turns.

For all your glazing needs, contact Emergency Glazier of London today.

There are a number of ways windows can be broken, but whatever’s happened it’s important to carry out repairs quickly. Broken windows make your home or business less secure and leave your property exposed to the elements. If things are tight, you may be wondering whether you could carry out the glass repair or glass replacement yourself. Technically it is possible. Here’s what you have to do.

Equipment

You’ll need gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes, along with various tools, such as a hammer, chisel knife, pick, pliers, stripping knife and window tool. You also need a pane of glass cut to the right size, glazing points, tape measure and fresh putty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Glass Replacement

1. Carefully remove all glass by tapping sharply close to the sill with a hammer. Put the glass into a box or bag to dispose of safely.

2. Remove the small pieces of glass left in the frame. Use pliers to gently pull the shards out, and use a pick or other implement for the stubborn bits.

3. Remove the putty from around the frame using a chisel knife and hammer. Slide the chisel knife along the putty and lever it away from the frame. Scrape along the wood to eliminate any bits of putty, taking care not to damage the frame itself.

4. Remove the old glazing points with the chisel knife to ensure the new pane will sit tight against the frame.

5. Measure all four sides of the frame using a tape measure – take the measurement from inside the frame. Cut the glass to a size that is a 1/8th inch less to ensure it will fit easily.

6. Carefully place the glass in the frame.

7. Tack the glass into place using the glazing points; two for each side of the frame.

8. Apply putty around the edges of the window. Overfill, then use a knife to create a smooth surface. Check to see if the putty can be seen from the other side of the window. The frame and putty should be at the same height. Remove any excess with the window tool.

9. Leave to dry, and after a week or so apply decoration as needed.

Call in the Professionals

As you can see, glass replacement is a tricky skill and unless you’re confident in your abilities you could end up with a bodge job that leaves your place even more exposed to the elements or to criminals popping out your glass with ease.

To be sure your glass repair and glass replacement are up to scratch, you should always use a professional. For all your glazing needs, contact Emergency Glazier of London today.

In business it’s important to be always moving forward. Most of the time, this means taking on new staff, systems and clients. However, sometimes moving forward could be as mundane as improving the offices you work in, including replacing or upgrading windows. Summer is the best time for office glass replacement for a number of reasons.

Fewer Disturbances

The act of replacing your office windows means you’ll have a hole in the wall. Doing the job during summer means you’re more likely to get the job done without delay caused by bad weather. As an added bonus, the draught created by the temporary holes in the wall will be a cooling rather than a chilly distraction for employees, as it would be in colder times of the year.

Increase Security

Summer can bring security risks, with many businesses closing for bank holidays or forgetting to close windows when locking up in the evening. If you think your office needs updated security, then summer is a great time to improve it by replacing your office glass.

Windows can be an easy point of entry for burglars if they’re old or have worn looking frames. Upgrading to double-glazed windows, if you don’t already have them, is a great move. Security measures can also be fitted in the window frames such as tamper-proof screws and tougher locks to ensure the windows can’t be forced open.

Energy Efficiency

Modern windows are designed to be much more energy efficient, so an upgrade to your windows can help to reduce overheads and reduce your impact on the environment. New windows fitted in summer means air-conditioning bills will be reduced, as new windows filter out more UV rays keeping you cooler than older ones. And when winter rolls around, new double-glazed windows will retain more heat thereby reduced the cost of heating your office in the cold months. All of this means you’ll be significantly reducing your energy demands and burning less fossil fuel, reducing your office’s impact on the environment (and gaining you brownie points with your customers too!).

Improved Aesthetics

Having newer windows fitted will improve the aesthetics of your business premises and make window displays much more attractive. Replacing dated glass and frames with modern windows gives your business a slick, modern and sophisticated appearance, giving a better impression to clients new and old.

Summer can be a great time for office glass replacement. The predictably pleasant weather makes the job quicker and easier than any other time of year. And in replacing your windows, you’re going to make improvements to your business’s energy budget, security and aesthetics.

To find out more about replacing your windows this summer, contact Emergency Glazier of London today.

Your windows are most appreciated in summertime as the sun shines into your home, giving you and your belongings an energy they lacked during the long British winters. The sun brings with it a motivation to get active and a need to leave your windows open. This activity can lead to accidental damage, plus leaving windows open increases chances of burglary and theft. Unfortunate events such as these lead to summer being a very busy time for glaziers, from Abbey Wood to Aberdeen.

Summer Sports

During the summer, the TV schedule is full of sports inspiring many viewers to get outside and emulate those they see on TV. For many home and business owners in and around areas such as Abbey Wood, this means a variety of cricket balls, tennis balls, footballs and rugby balls are going to be hailing upon their windows, conservatories and patio doors. In many cases, these home and business owners will require an emergency glazier to replace the damaged glass.

Theft and Security Windows

During the summer months, windows and doors in homes and businesses are left open, allowing a breeze of cool air to circulate throughout. But it’s all too easy for home and business owners to forget their open windows when leaving the premises, meaning their property is an easy target for thieves and robbers. A slight opening can be easily forced, and the resulting damage to windows, doors and skylights keeps glaziers very busy during these months. If you think your home or business might be at risk, call a glazier to assess your windows and fit new security ones if required.

Worn Frames and Seals

Sometimes it’s not the glass in the window that calls for a glazier, but the frame. Over the years, window frames and seals become damaged from the various forms of extreme UK weather. Cold winter rain and winds will wear your frames down, and if moisture gets trapped in the frames it can freeze causing damage that escalates over time. Even the summer heat and UV rays cause the frame materials to degrade. Savvy home and business owners realise how much easier it is to replace their windows during the warm summer months, keeping glaziers nice and busy.

If you need a glazier that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides boarding-up services as well as glazing in the Abbey Wood and surrounding areas, look no further than Emergency Glazier of London. With an average call-out time of 30 minutes and a wide range of different types and styles of glass available, they can help to keep your property safe and dry this summer.

Finding a broken window makes you realise how much you take them for granted. They provide not just light but warmth and security, and when one is broken, suddenly things in your house or premises are not what they were before. If you’ve never experienced a broken window before, you might be a bit uncertain about how to proceed, but you’ll certainly want the situation fixed. You will want the glass replaced, and normality restored as soon as possible.

Prompt Response

When you’re looking for a glass replacement service, the thing you probably want to know is how soon they can carry out the repair. If it’s a small crack you might not mind waiting, but if on the other hand the whole window has been smashed, it’s the middle of winter, and the window faces the street, you need someone who can fix it straight away.

Boarding Up If Necessary

When a window has been broken, one of the most important aspects is security. Even if the glass cannot be replaced immediately, for whatever reason, you may need the opening boarded up. When doing this, you need to be sure that the boarding is secure and solid, and that the people carrying out the work can do it properly, and will be able to secure your property whatever the time, day or night.

Glass Replacement

A glass replacement service needs to be able to supply at short notice the appropriate type of glass for your property. Domestic, retail and commercial glazing can be quite different. Some companies might only have experience dealing with residential properties, for instance. A better quality glass replacement service will have experience in all sectors, and be able to provide suitable replacements for all types of glass. Even if your requirements are for a relatively straightforward home repair, a company with wider experience will have a better knowledge of the trade, and will provide a better service.

Professionalism

A quality glass replacement company will have properly qualified glaziers. Their services should be recognised by insurers. It’s reasonable to expect that they have a straightforward payment system and will accept major credit cards, for instance.

If you are in the London area, Emergency Glazier provide services to residential and commercial properties, and will attend when called, within 30 minutes, 24 hours a days, 365 days a year. They offer a 24-hour boarding up service, same-day glass replacement, emergency joinery services, and are recognised by all major UK insurers. If you need quality glass replacement, you can rely on them.

Things To Consider When Investing In Shop Glazing

As a shop owner, you have dozens of things to think about every day. Your storefront glazing is probably not on your mind on a daily basis, so when the time comes for a repair or a planned installation, you want to put it in the hands of an expert London glazier. Choosing the right glazing company is a big decision, so here’s a few tips for choosing a shop glazier.

See How Knowledgeable They Are

When you’ve narrowed down your initial search, give two or three glaziers a call to ask them questions about your installation. Describe your storefront and current glazing, and then ask them what your options are. You can also ask them what the glazing process will be like. A quality glazier will be able to answer all of your questions, and explain them in a way you can understand. Make sure they’re confident in their knowledge of different kinds of glazing.

Find Out How Much Experience They Have

Once you’ve established that the glazier knows what they’re talking about and is familiar with your situation, find out if they can back that knowledge up with experience. Ask how many years they have done shop glazing in London, and how experienced your onsite glazier will be. You can also ask how much they’ve dealt with your type of situation and how confident they feel about working on your shop glazing.

Check Their Turnaround Time

Once you’re close to booking a glazing company, ask them what the turnaround time will be. The aesthetics of your store can attract or turn customers away, so it’s important to know your project can be completed before losing any sales. Storefront glazing is also critical for your shop security, so make sure that the company you choose will be able to work with you right away, especially if it’s an emergency.

Get a Quote for Your Project

The cost of your project is probably one of the most important factors to you when choosing a glazier, so always ask for a quote before getting started. Quality glazing is an important investment, so feel free to call around and find the best quote in combination with knowledge, experience, and turnaround time.

These are some quick factors you should look into when you need shop glazing for your retail store. We pride ourselves in quality shop glazing London and have over fifteen years in business. If you’d like to check out any of these factors with us, we’d be happy to answer your questions and give you a quote for your glazing needs.

It’s a sound many business owners and building supervisors dread: a late-night call informing you that the burglar alarm is ringing at your office due to a broken window. Still with a muzzy head after being dragged from your pleasant dreams, you now need to snap into action and deal with the situation.

Here’s a quick guide to organising office glass replacement in Central London in minimum
time with maximum efficiency.

Inform the Police & Your Insurance Company

If the damage is the result of vandalism, you need to notify the police immediately otherwise you run the risk of not being covered by your insurance. For non-emergencies dial 101, or in an emergency call 999.

Once the police have been advised, you need to call your insurance company to check your
claim will be covered. Many insurance companies will have a preferred glazier or will give
you a ceiling payment limit for the job.

Find a Reputable Glazier

Many glazing emergencies happen at inconvenient times of day, so it’s essential to choose
a glazier that’s available 24 hours per day, and who will guarantee a fast turnaround for the job – the longer your building is left unsecured, the greater the possibility of another act of vandalism or your office equipment becoming damaged from exposure to the elements.

It’s also important to check that the glaziers you’ve chosen are qualified and certified to give you ultimate peace of mind that the work will be completed to a high standard. It’s all very well choosing the first person who can turn up, but if the workmanship is shoddy you’ll only have problems further down the line.

Make Sure Your Office Is Secure

Sometimes, it isn’t always possible to replace the glass following a breakage immediately,
especially if your office windows are an uncommon shape, or you want a particular grade of glass. However, a reputable glazier will always be able to secure your broken window to keep it safe from vandals and protected from the elements.

At Emergency Glazier of London, we promise to have your office secured in Central London
within 30 minutes of receiving a call.

Arrange for the Glass to Be Replaced

Once you have the peace of mind that your office is safe, you can arrange for the office glass replacement to take place. Now is the perfect time to check whether any other windows need replacing due to general wear and tear, or you may wish to take advantage of the latest window technology to make your office more energy efficient.